JCC Assists Flood Victims in Tennessee

BELLEVUE, TN -- Some 250 flood victims from the Nashville, TN, area found shelter at the Gordon Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Bellevue, TN, after torrential rains and weekend flooding caused thousands of residents to flee their homes.

Serving as one of three Red Cross shelters in the Nashville area, the JCC began spreading the word on Sunday via posts to its Facebook page that flood victims could seek shelter at its facility.

In addition, evacuees were invited to shop free of charge at the JCC’s flood recovery store to stock up on basic essentials, such as toiletries, clothing and blankets. By today, the JCC received so many donations from the community that it posted an online request asking people to refrain from making additional donations.

“We have just collected so much that we actually have to stop taking these kinds of donations,” JCC organizer Harry Baker told local media.

The JCC, which continues to accept monetary donations on its website, was able to resume its normal schedule of group ex classes on Monday.